September 8-14 is Environmental Services Week, a week where we recognize and celebrate all our EVS professionals.
We aim to foster a culture of appreciation for all the hardworking people that support Crothall Healthcare’s operations. This week, however, we are shining a spotlight on our EVS team members at facilities across the nation—their hard work and passion for patient experience is exemplified by EVS associates such as Yuanyin Shu, Sonia Benitez, and Houston Stevens.
Yuanyin “Sue” Shu, Housekeeper, Children’s Hospital of Colorado
Raised in Chengdu, China, Yuanyin Shu (better known as Sue) graduated from college, had a daughter, and met her husband Dale at the American Embassy. They were soon relocated to Poland, where they lived for seven years. In 2015 they moved to Colorado Springs, They moved to Colorado Springs in 2015, and Dale soon noticed how isolated Sue felt in their new environment. He took it upon himself to find her employment at Children’s Hospital Colorado- Colorado Springs, a new, beautiful campus where Crothall had recently posted an advertisement for housekeepers.
While her lack of confidence in speaking English was an early struggle, Sue used her new position as an opportunity to practice the language. Over the years, she has become more confident, having made friends and experienced meaningful interactions with children and their families. The support of her managers and team was integral to her success and paved the way for Sue to live the life she does today. As a housekeeper, she says her goal is to, “not leave a patient’s room until I have made them smile.”
Sue’s story was recently featured on our Crothall blog, and can be read here.
Sonia Benitez, Housekeeper, California Rehabilitation Institute
Sonia Benitez has built a stellar reputation in her four years with Crothall. A housekeeper with a perfect attendance record, she is known throughout California Rehabilitation Institute as the housekeeper who brightens the day of medical staff and patients alike. She never says “no” to her team members, exemplifying the “service” in Environmental Services, and is known for her enthusiasm for recovering patients, including her dancing for them to cheer them up. She goes above and beyond, training new hires and notably working extra hours throughout the pandemic.
When director Nicholas Sheets first joined the team at California Rehabilitation Institute, he found himself overwhelmed while acclimating in his early days at the job, unsure how best to proceed. Sonia approached him one day early in his tenure and reassured him that his efforts were not going unnoticed. She asked Nicholas how he felt, and how he was adjusting during the transition period, ultimately leaving him in a much more positive place by the time she left. The impact of their conversation became only greater when Nicholas realized it occurred during Sonia’s lunch break.
Sonia’s personality has left a mark on all the people she encounters, from team members, to medical staff, to patients and their families. Her dedication to and passion for service is exemplary of the values of Crothall EVS.
Houston Stevens, Director of EVS, Exeter Hospital
Houston Stevens worked in 5-star luxury hotel properties for about two decades, with a long career in foodservice before then. He was burnt out and seeking a change in pace when Crothall recruiter Janelle Alan reached out to him and offered a chance to pivot to the healthcare industry at Exeter Hospital. Always eager to help others, Houston accepted without hesitation.
Despite dealing with challenges in his adulthood, such as a divorce that changed his outlook and motivated him to pursue success, his passion for service has motivated him to take care of others that are struggling or have struggled in life. He credits the involvement of Mike Villani and Helena Blat for much of his current position, having learned the Crothall culture by their example. He appreciates the support and care of Crothall’s team, which has fostered his larger-than-life personality and incredible service ethic. 
Houston’s work and personality have not gone unnoticed among patients—recently, a radio show host encountered him when taking her husband to the hospital for a procedure. Impressed with the facility and team, and immediately wowed by Houston, she invited him onto her show to share his story. He is now a well-known guest on the show, sharing his unique story of passion for hospitality, and making his Crothall team proud.
A Lasting Impact
Crothall’s EVS teams do more than maintain clean environments—they lift spirits, support healing, and make a lasting impact on everyone they encounter. By trusting Crothall, clients can be confident that they are partnering with professionals who truly care, ensuring a positive and welcoming experience for both staff and patients every day.
